An
outspoken and famous Russian atheist, he authored a number of books on
religion and atheism, and often spoke out against the encroachment on
the secular Russian State by the Russian Orthodox Church. He would
refer to himself as a "secular Jew" and a "secular humanist."

From the Associated Press article on his death:

A
vehement atheist, Ginzburg strongly opposed the growing role of the
Russian Orthodox Church in state affairs after the 1991 Soviet
collapse, protesting its attempts to have a say in political and
secular matters and introduce religious lessons in schools.

Despite his age,
Ginzburg remained active as a scientist and public figure. He also was
a staunch believer in the global triumph of democracy and "secular
humanism" to help overcome such threats as Islamic terrorism, poverty
and AIDS.

"I am still inclined to believe in the brilliant future of mankind," he said in the autobiography.

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D.J. Grothe is president of the James Randi Educational Foundation. He is also the former Vice President and Director of Outreach Programs for the Center for Inquiry and associate editor of Free Inquiry magazine. He hosted the weekly radio show and podcast Point of Inquiry, exploring the implications of the scientific outlook with leading thinkers.